Arizona State University (Tempe campus)

1151 S Forest Ave, Tempe, AZ, United States Arizona, Tempe, USA Visit web page

Philosophy (Science, Nature and Mind), BA

Study detals

Course type: Bachelor's degree Degree: Philosophy (Science, Nature and Mind), BA LAPHISNMBA Study mode: Full time Duration : 48 Month

Requirements

Program description

The BA program in philosophy with a concentration in science, nature and mind combines training in philosophy with an emphasis on questions raised by the natural, social and cognitive sciences.

Scientific investigation of the physical world and the mind inevitably makes assumptions about what sorts of things are real, the relationship of physical systems to conscious thought, and the nature of scientific explanation. The natural and social sciences are thus connected with philosophical views in metaphysics and epistemology. In addition, more applied areas of science, such as those concerned with sustainability and new technologies, raise ethical and policy questions as well as questions about humans' moral relationship to the natural world.

Students enrich their understanding of the natural and social sciences through courses in philosophy as well as courses from related disciplines. This program is a great fit for students who want to complement a science major with a second major in the humanities and for students who wish to do postgraduate work in medicine, sustainability or technology.

Concurrent program options

Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.

Program learning outcomes

Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program has the following program outcomes:

Present and defend a philosophical view about a specific sub-topic in philosophy using concepts, technical terminology, and methods acquired in an advanced topical seminar as well as skills in logical analysis and civil and respectful argumentation.
Evaluate how well such different theories of mind as dualism, behaviorism, identity theory, functionalism and eliminativist materialism solve the mind-body problem and the problem of explaining phenomenal consciousness.
Evaluate different approaches to understanding the nature of scientific justification, the aims of science and how they can be achieved, and what makes some theories preferable to others.
Apply the concept of formal validity and the rules of deductive inference to evaluate the deductive validity of prose arguments and to construct formalized proofs in symbolic logic.

Global opportunities
Global experience

Students can explore the diverse range of cultures and philosophies around the globe. With over 300 unique study abroad programs available to them, students can tailor their experience to their interests and skill sets. Study abroad programs help students gain valuable skills such as problem solving, communication, adaptability and cultural competency --- skills that enhance their resumes.

Career opportunities

The analytical, writing and problem-solving skills gained through a philosophy major are highly transferable to a wide range of jobs, and students with a degree in philosophy have the highest median income of all humanities graduates.

Graduates of the science, nature and mind concentration are prepared for career opportunities in medical and mental health fields, climate change and sustainability, information and policy analysis, and scientific and nature education and writing. For example, graduates may find employment with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

This program also provides excellent preparation for students interested in medical school.

Additional information

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